Consumer Electronics

Ten Innovative Ideas in Consumer Electronics

Laptop computers arranged in a display at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

Every year hundreds of new products and technologies make their debut at the annual Consumer Electronics Show. Some will have their 15 minutes of fame; others will have a longer-lasting impact because they represent a product or trend that has the potential to reshape the business world. Here are my picks for the top 10 technology trends from the 2013 CES:

Tablets everywhere
Tablets are becoming the tool of choice for many business applications as companies find new ways to adapt them. Compulocks, Aspire Innovation (PDF) and other accessory manufacturers were showcasing mounts to convert iPads and other tablets into new tools—everything from customer service kiosks to quality control monitors. Startup iHealth Labs has a line of medical devices such as blood pressure monitors with iPad docks so that they can be used as controls and for monitoring. This may be just the start, as tablets are inexpensive and easy to program, making them superior replacements for many devices.

Smartphones replace remote controls
Home appliance and television manufacturers such as LG (066570) and Sony (SNE) are beginning to offer apps to allow smartphones to replace TV remotes or to control ovens, dishwashers, and other appliances remotely. A few automakers, such as India’s Tata Motors (TTM), are looking at building smartphone stands (PDF) into their cars so they can replace built-in GPS systems. Gaming companies, such as Orbotix, have replaced game controls with smartphone apps. In the future, smartphones will be used to control office and factory equipment remotely without investing in fancy remote controls.

Cameras everywhere
HD video cameras have gotten so small and inexpensive, and made it so easy to stream content, that they are being adopted for many new uses, including live-streaming meetings and daily business activities. Several companies are offering “people-cams” that can be discreetly worn by police officers or bank tellers to record everything that happens during a day. DropCam, for example, makes a range of small $200 cameras that connect automatically to Wi-Fi and stream video to a cloud site that can be viewed anywhere, any time on a smartphone or tablet.

The age of drones
Some companies have placed tiny wireless cameras on inexpensive remote-controlled drones so they can be used as unmanned surveillance devices. Parrott makes the AR.Drone 2.0, a $300 toy helicopter that has been fitted with an HD camera. The drone can be programmed with an iPhone to fly precise routes over buildings, highways, or construction sites to monitor activity. Inexpensive drones will make it possible for companies to monitor all their operations better, even those in remote locations.

Virtual salespeople
Retailers can reduce costs and improve customer service through virtual in-store salespeople. The Beam by Suitable Technologies is a mobile video kiosk that allows salespeople in remote locations to talk to in-store shoppers via a computer and wireless connection. Shoppers can see the clerk’s face on a video screen and talk with her in real time. One clerk can cover multiple stores at once, reducing downtime.

Smart homes
After years of hype and unfulfilled promises, homes are finally getting smarter, thanks to Wi-Fi and cloud computing. Large appliance manufacturers such as LG and Samsung have self-monitoring refrigerators, ovens, and clothes washers that report performance and allow users to control them remotely with an iPhone. The Skylink Group has a system that allows homeowners to control lights, doors, locks, thermostats, and virtually anything electronic in the home remotely with an iPhone app. Smart appliances have the added advantage of allowing companies to create databases of usage behavior to understand consumer usage and needs better.

Human monitoring
The human body can be monitored, too, allowing us all to perform better and live longer. Heart Math makes heart monitors that are worn daily and report results online directly to doctors. Nike (NKE) has a new athletic monitor, the Nike Plus fuel band, a wristband with an accelerometer that tracks all calories burned in a day. Hapi Labs has invented the Hapi Fork, which tracks eating patterns and alerts users if they are eating too fast.

Brain control
By monitoring brainwaves and converting them into energy, it is possible for humans to move physical objects simply by concentrating. Startup Interaxon is launching a $200 brain-sensing headband called the Muse. Initially it is being used as a video game controller, but there are plenty of possible business applications for people who want to move objects effortlessly.

Ultra-high definition
Video and photography are getting clearer. All the major TV manufacturers, such as Panasonic (PC), Sony, and Samsung Electronics (005390:KS), are now offering ultra-high-definition video, with four times the clarity of regular high definition. Nikon and other camera companies also have super HD versions. Just as HD has become the standard now for all video and graphic business presentations, UHD has the potential to replace it, making communications clearer and more lifelike.

Portable power
With all this new technology, we all need more power. MagicCharger from Mobee and PowerNow from DateXX are portable chargers the size of a cigarette lighter that can be used to recharge smartphones and tablets anywhere.